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The Great Trouble (Hardcover)

Description

"A delightful combination of race-against-the-clock medical mystery and outwit-the-bad-guys adventure." --"Publishers Weekly, "Starred Eel has troubles of his own: As an orphan and a "mudlark," he spends his days in the filthy River Thames, searching for bits of things to sell. He's being hunted by Fisheye Bill Tyler, and a nastier man never walked the streets of London. And he's got a secret that costs him four precious shillings a week to keep safe. But even for Eel, things aren't so bad until that fateful August day in 1854--the day the deadly cholera ("blue death") comes to Broad Street. Everyone believes that cholera is spread through poisonous air. But one man, Dr. John Snow, has a different theory. As the epidemic surges, it's up to Eel and his best friend, Florrie, to gather evidence to prove Dr. Snow's theory--before the entire neighborhood is wiped out. "Hopkinson illuminates a pivotal chapter in the history of public health. . . . Accessible . . . and entertaining." --"School Library Journal, "Starred "For readers] who love suspense, drama, and mystery." --"TIME for Kids.

About the Author

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of numerous award-winning children's books, including "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, " winner of the International Reading Association Award, "Girl Wonder, " winner of the Great Lakes Book Award, and "Apples to Oregon, " a Junior Library Guild Selection. She received the 2003 Washington State Book Award for "Under the Quilt for the Night." She lives in Oregon. Visit her on the Web at www.deborahhopkinson.com.

Praise For…

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, September 2, 2013:"Hopkinson adeptly recreates the crowded, infested streets of London, but it’s her distinct, layered characters and turbulent, yet believable plot that make this a captivating read."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, October 2013:"Although detailing a dire period in history, Eel tells his story in a matter-of-fact and accessible manner, making his story palatable and entertaining."